Question

Assertion (A) A catalyst increases the rate of reaction.
Reason (R) Catalyst also changes the equilibrium constant.

• A. Both $A$ and $R$ are correct and $R$ is the correct explanation of $A$.
• B. Both $A$ and $R$ are correct, but $R$ is not the correct explanation of $A$.
• C. $A$ is correct but, $R$ is incorrect.
• D. $R$ is correct but, $A$ is incorrect.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

A small amount of the catalyst can catalyse a large amount of reactants. A catalyst does not alter Gibbs energy, $\Delta G$ of a reaction. It does not change the equilibrium constant rather, it helps in attaining the equilibrium faster, i.e. it catalyses the forward and backward directions both to the same extent so that the equilibrium state remains same and is achieved earlier.